Hope Dies Last Chords
by Mark Erelli
Hope Dies Last by Mark Erelli is a moderately challenging guitar song played in the key of Am with a capo on the 4st fret. It uses the chords Am, F, C, G, Em, Bb and G7. Use the transpose and diagram tools on this page to change the key, see each shape, or simplify the chords.
Intro: Am F C Am F C
verse 1
Am F C
The alarm goes off and you hit the shower first
Am F C
I make the coffee, it’s a routine we’ve rehearsed
F C G
Turn the radio on and they’re wishing us a happy new year
Am F C Am F C
But nothing much has changed here
verse 2
Am F C
Another suicide bomb at a market in the Middle East
Am F C
The authorities estimate 28 dead, at least
F C G
Sand soaked with martyr’s blood and mothers’ tears
Am F C Am F C
But nothing much has changed here
verse 3
Am F C
The whole country’s holding those coalminers in its prayers
Am F C
Counting down how long they’ve gone without air
F C G
The reporter does his best to sound sincere
Am F C
But nothing much has changed here
verse 4
Am F C
Now there’s a man of God saying something ‘bout New Orleans
Am F C
How the Mississippi River gonna wash them sinners clean
F C G
Oh the righteous prey on ignorance and fear
Am F C
Oh nothing much has changed here
G C F
And there’s a storm coming up fast
G C
Better lash yourself to the mast
Em F
But of all that comes to pass
Bb G7
Hope dies last
Verse 5
Am F C
Politicians pointing fingers like they always do
Am F C
When there’s a scandal looming larger in the rearview
F C G
When elections may be closer than they appear
Am F C
Oh nothing much has changed here
Verse 6
Am F C
In the eyes of the President citizens are enemies
Am F C
He’d rather talk to Jesus than to anyone who disagrees
F C G
But the phones are bugged and Big Brother is all ears
Am F C
Oh nothing much has changed here
G C F
And there’s a storm coming up fast
G C
Better lash yourself to the mast
Em F
But of all that comes to pass
Bb G7
Hope dies last
Verse 7
Am F C
Sometimes it’s all that you can do to avert your eyes
Am F C
If you let too much in it will leave you paralysed
F C G Am F C
It's a world where all you love could disappear
Verse 8
Am F C
So I take you in my arms before you leave for work
Am F C
I got a love for you so fierce and true it hurts
F C G
You smile at something that I whisper in your ear
Am F
Nothing has changed
Am F
Nothing has changed
Am F
Nothing’s ever gonna change here
Outro: Am F C Am F C